Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 11.djvu/29

Rh traces of foundations, which are generally called "The Beacon." When the office of Lord Warden of the Marches was appointed, A.D. 1296, beacons were ordered to be raised in different parts of the country. This was then called "Spade Adam Top." These foundations are very irregular, as may be seen by the annexed plan, the measurements being in yards. (Scale 30 yards to an inch.) They are full of stones which are covered with turf. On the north wall is a small mound of stones about 4 yards in diameter, which appears to have been the foundation of a tower. From this summit, one of the grandest and most extensive prospects comes under the eye, including a large part of both kingdoms, and signals might be exchanged to a vast distance. All the lower parts of Cumberland appear like a vast table beneath, stretched out over several hundred square miles. Innumerable rivulets roll their streams through the fertile vales, while the rich profusion of hill and dale, and swelling eminences, add beauty to this charming prospect.

About a quarter of a mile to the north-west of "The Beacon" are the foundations of a tower, from which this part of the hill is called "The Tower Brow." It has been a building with very thick walls, and was taken down a few years since to build the adjoining fences. It was 15 yards long and 8 yards broad, and situated within the south side of an enclosure or stone rampart of the shape of a rhomboid 35 yards on each side. (See plan, scale 30 yards to an inch.) It appears to have had a pistrina, i. e. a kiln for drying corn, on the north side. A stone with some rude tracings or mouldings upon it, and which may possibly have been part of a door or window, was taken from this tower, and placed in the stone wall on the side of the road near the Wintershields, where it may still be seen.

The "Ancient Ditch" passed the groundworks, or Mile